How Gators football player Trey Burton nearly saved the day for the Eagles

By Adam Silverstein
December 12, 2016
How Gators football player Trey Burton nearly saved the day for the Eagles
Football

The Philadelphia Eagles were in a bad way Sunday against Washington. The two NFC East rivals were battling in a tight game as Philadelphia lost not one but both of its long snappers in the contest.

Knowing that they would have a need for someone to snap the ball for a field goal late in the game, the Eagles began trying out linebacker Mychal Kendricks on the sideline but quickly learned that he would not work out. Just as the team decided against the unsnappable field goal attempt and prepared to go for it on fourth-and-1, a timeout was called and former Florida Gators tight end Trey Burton began attempting long snaps on the sideline.

After a couple attempts, Burton looked like he could handle the role, so Philadelphia trotted him out on the field to snap a field goal attempt for his former teammate at Florida, kicker Caleb Sturgis. Burton successfully snapped it and Sturgis, who has had a career resurgence with the Eagles, booted it 41 yards through the uprights.

Philadelphia went on to lose the game, but Burton certainly made an unexpected and positive impact. Gators fans are all too familiar with Burton’s ability to play a multitude of roles as he lined up at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end and on multiple positions throughout special teams during his time in college. The Eagles have become fans of Burton as well with him being a key special teams performer and occasional tight end. He’s found a role in the NFL and done quite well for himself.

As for Sturgis, who made just 77.5 percent of his field goal with the Miami Dolphins, he’s now at an 82.5 percent clip and proving to be a legitimate NFL kicker with Philadelphia.

Hat tip to SB Nation for the animated GIF

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